Tag: gospel

Gospel music, Music

Why I Prefer Ladies Over 75

Gary Furr

I thought that title might get your attention. I got word that a dear sweet woman who used to be a member passed away this weekend.  Betty McGee was an incredibly nice soul.  Her life had plenty of ups and downs.   But she was one of those hidden jewels of Baptist churches in the South.  All most non-Baptist people ever get to see are the preachers, and that’s a shame.  That’s like judging a house by the septic tank, at least when you consider the Reverends that purport to “speak for” Baptist folks.  If I was going to nominate anyone … Continue reading Why I Prefer Ladies Over 75

Art, Blues, Christianity, Gospel music, Hope, Music, Spirituality, Suffering, Theology and Life2 Comments

“Precious Lord,” Georgia Tom and the War with the Blues

Gary Furr

Tonight our band is going to perform in one of the most prestigious gospel venues around our region—the American Gospel Quartet Convention, here in Birmingham.  Here many of the great African American gospel groups gather to sing, worship and honor fellow performers each year.  It’s meeting at the More Than Conquerors Church in Birmingham.  I like the names a lot of the independent churches give themselves.  It says something about “who we want to be.”  I heard about a midwestern church that actually named itself “Christ Memorial Church.”   What in the WORLD!  Ain’t you people heard about Easter???!!!! Anyway, many … Continue reading “Precious Lord,” Georgia Tom and the War with the Blues

Ethics, Hope, humanity, Jesus, Pilgrimage, Theology and Life2 Comments

Following Jesus From Israel to Rural Alabama

Gary Furr

The Day After Thunder It was truly a day beyond words in April of this year when record tornadoes tore through Alabama.  I put it on my facebook page this way: “It is the morning after a wall of thunder ripped across our lovely state.  Time to roll up our sleeves and see what we can do to help.” A lot of death and injury greeted us when we emerged–damaged homes, businesses gone—and we found the task of cleaning up absolutely daunting.  One family in my church found themselves in a neighborhood of felled trees, including a big one right … Continue reading Following Jesus From Israel to Rural Alabama